7:00 PM Informational Meeting with Long Range Planning Committee re: High School Fields
7:45 PM Continuation of Zoning Hearings
Unscheduled: Old/New Business
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Present: Planning Board Members, Paul Healey, Sarah Corey, Judy Sneath, Gary Tondorf-Dick
and William Ramsey. Also present was Planner Katharine Lacy.
7:00 PM Meeting with Long Range Planning Committee re: High School Fields
This was an informal meeting with the Long Range Planning Committee of the Hingham School Department and Superintendant Gallo to discuss future plans for improvements to the fields and outdoor athletic facilities at the High School.
Superintendent Gallo noted that while the master plan that was provided is quite ambitious, the only thing that is being considered for the near future is repairing the track in its current location. The School Committee had requested $615,000 from the Town’s Capital Outlay Budget to support this work, but at this point it is unclear whether these funds will be provided. On the other hand, it is possible that funds will be provided by a private donor. With that in mind, the Long Range Planning Committee was seeking input from the Board and the community about concerns relative to both the short-term and long-term plans for the High School fields. Additionally, they were seeking input on what kind of permits would be required, and how long it would take to get approvals for the project.
Mr. Healey noted that at this point there has been no formal determination by Town Counsel as to whether these facilities are or are not exempt under the Dover amendment, or, if they are, exactly what that would mean in terms of the scope of review that would be required by the Planning Board and ZBA. Superintendent Gallo responded that they were planning on proceeding as if the project were not exempt.
In terms of the long range project, Board members noted that traffic, parking, noise, and light were potential issues. In terms of the track replacement project Board members advised the committee to work closely with the Conservation Commission, Building Department, and ZBA. It is unclear whether the project would require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board.
7:45 PM Continuation of Zoning Hearings
ARTICLE 5: Wind Energy Conversion Facility By-Law
The proponent agreed to withdraw this article, but to date the petition requesting the withdrawal has not been submitted with the necessary ten signatures. Because the article will appear in the warrant unless withdrawn, the Board needs to make a formal vote. It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED to recommend the Town Meeting vote “No Action” on Article 5.
ARTICLE 11: Re-zone land at Cushing and Derby
The proponent agreed to withdraw this article, but to date the petition requesting the withdrawal has not been submitted with the necessary ten signatures. Because the article will appear in the warrant unless withdrawn, the Board needs to make a formal vote. It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED to recommend the Town Meeting vote “No Action” on Article 11.
ARTICLE 1: To Review and Update Use Table
Board members continued discussion of this article, which entails multiple minor changes to Section III-A of the Zoning By-Law, as well as associated definitions. The Board directed Ms. Lacy to revise the article per the changes suggested at the hearing, and scheduled the vote for the next Planning Board hearing on March 10.
ARTICLE 6: Re-Zone the Tree and Park Parcel
Susan Murphy appeared on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, who were proponents of the article.
The purpose of this article is to rezone the parcel of land on which the Tree and Park barn is located on Short Street. The building is currently vacant, and in need of repair. The Town seeks to lease it on a 3-5 year lease with the goal of fixing up the property and raising revenue.
It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED to recommend that Town Meeting vote favorably on the following amendment to the Zoning By-Law:
ARTICLE 6: Re-Zone the Tree and Park Parcel
Will the Town amend the Zoning By-Law in the Zoning Map Part A, as heretofore amended, by removing from Official and Open Space and including in Business District A parcel of land on Short Street as shown on Assessor’s Map 81, Lot 140, or act on anything related thereto?
Submitted By the Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 2: To Amend Dimensional Requirements for Business B
Ms. Lacy reported that notices of this hearing were sent to all property owners in Business B, but no property owners had responded, or were in attendance at the hearing. The Board continued this discussion to the next Planning Board hearing on March 10.
Old/New Business
Form A – 4 & 5 Rosewood Lane
This Form A is to swap land as shown on a plan prepared by Tetra Tech, dated February 23, 2011.
It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED to endorse the Form A entitled “4 & 5 Rosewood Lane Hingham, MA, Plan of Land,” prepared for Austin O’Connor, dated February 23, 2011 and prepared by Tetra Tech, One Grant Street, Framingham, MA.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katharine T. Lacy, Town Planner